ELC Online Shopping (Early Learning Centre)

Member Name: shellyuk1000

Product:	Early Learning Centre
Date:	09/06/09 (37 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Friendly customer service

Disadvantages: Cant used promotional codes on specials

Background to Early Learning Centre:
The first stores were open in the 1970's and they now how 215 stores nationwide. They sell toys from famous brand such as Vtech, Fisher Price, playmobil, leapfrog and many more. They also have their own brands such as Blossom Farm and Happyland. ELC work closely with Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and work hard to make sure all toys are child safe and meet all the required standards..

Website
The ELC website is easy to use and set out very well. It shows pictures of every product it has available and anything you can find in the store you can find online. It is colourful and searching for toys is easy using the toy category i.e. Baby/Toddler, Outdoor Toys, Constructions Toys, Action Figures & Play sets or using the search button and typing in a keyword if you know what toy you want.
The offers are easy to find as they are nearly always displayed on the home screen. The prices of the toys are displayed clearly and there are also reviews from previous buyers of each purchase with a rating.
Promotional codes are offered regularly, either by joining their Big Birthday Club or by searching the promotional code websites around, it is easy to type these in at the checkout but be aware any toys already classed as being reduced or part of a special will not allow the code to be applied. The basket will hold items that you have previously put in for your next visit.
Help is easy to find on the website and you can email, call or write to them.

Delivery
Delivery is a standard price of £4.95 or there are special offers where if you spend over a certain amount (£60, £100) the delivery is free. Express delivery is also available to the UK but this is at a higher cost of £7.95 and is dependant on the size of the item you have purchased. Most items are delivered within 4days via courier service and signature is required upon delivery.
ELC offer a great returns service, quoted as being "No Quibble". They will refund or exchange the item happily with no limit to time. They will accept returns in-store too or they will arrange a courier to collect it.

Problems
The only problems I have encountered using this service was we had 1 box delivered and it was in appalling condition when it got to us. It was something that had happened at the ELC warehouse, as the outer packaging was not damaged. I sent a letter to the Customer Service department and enclosed pictures. They were most helpful, the return letter was very apologetic and I received a £25 gift card to discourage any bad feelings.

Advantages:
Colourful website, easy to search for toys, useful to have previous buyers reviews and ratings on show, excellent customer service

Disadvantages:
No sales section and you will not get any promotional code applied to toys classed as being on specials or a reduced price.

All in all a good website to use, online shopping experiences are always made that much better when they have a friendly customer service team to back them up.

Summary: Good friendly website, easy to use